Rwandan Community in the US Honours Genocide Victims During Kwibuka 30

By The Inspirer.

The Embassy of Rwanda in the United States has initiated a week-long commemoration of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in Washington DC.

The event at the Embassy, which included flying the Rwandan flag at half-mast, lighting the flame of hope, and honoring more than one million victims of the tragedy, marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events planned across the US. The main event is scheduled at Capitol Hill on April 15.

Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana, speaking at the event, echoed President Paul Kagame’s message during the launch of Kwibuka, urging all Rwandans and Africans to find dignity within themselves because “only we can give value to our lives.”

“As our President said today, our hearts are filled with grief and gratitude, in equal measure,” Amb. Mukantabana remarked. “But as we remember the victims, we also give thanks for what Rwanda has become.”

“In the same spirit, let’s join hands in our respective communities during this time of remembrance as we honor victims, comfort survivors, and sustain our national unity, which is at the core of Rwanda’s stability and progress.”

Mrs. Bernadette Denis, representing the Ibuka US chapter, expressed gratitude to RPF-Inkotanyi for halting the Genocide. She highlighted the unimaginable suffering, pain, and trauma endured by survivors but noted their resilience and journey towards prosperity.

Various commemorative events are scheduled across many states in the US. A dozen higher education institutions such as Harvard University, Catholic University of America, University of Central Arkansas, have shown interest in hosting commemorative events alongside members of the Rwandan community in the US.

Amb. Mukantabana urged all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in the US to actively participate in these events planned within the 100 days and to specifically challenge the few Genocide deniers who spread hate narratives and distort the truth about Rwandan history.

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